Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic (BRFDC)

05/19/2026

The Tooth Fairies fly again!

Our hearts were aflutter over our celebrity mascots, the Tooth Fairies, at this past weekend.

Thank you, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau for a fantastic afternoon of fellowship and fun!

Also, we may have recruited a few future dentists to the clinic. Peep that focus as he brushes the dry erase marker off our display.

05/19/2026

"I never smile anymore...I wonder if I forgot how?" a patient recently asked us. We hear this all too often.

Right here in Western North Carolina...

30% of low-income adults reduce participation in social activities due to the condition of their teeth.

15% report anxiety because of the condition of their teeth.

1 in 5 say they avoid smiling due to the condition of their teeth.

"It feels good to smile and I hope I can do it again." 

Thank you for helping us spread smiles and improve dental and mental health in WNC.

05/13/2026

Do you want to make a difference in WNC? Do you like to work alongside fun, compassionate folks? We may be the place for you!

Learn more at www.brfdc.org/frontdesk .

05/04/2026

Our Clinic is fueled by the commitment of compassionate volunteer dentists. Dr. Fuller moved to WNC in October and wasted no time in getting involved in his community.

We are always excited to welcome new volunteer dentists to the Clinic. They bring fresh perspectives and skills to keep us learning and growing.

Welcome, Dr. Fuller~!

04/24/2026

Y'all. If you've been in the clinic in April, you've probably heard our staff getting ready for Cashiers Burger Week . Line-ups were discussed. Dietary preferences were defined. Stoke was high.

Today, we treated ourselves to a trio of tasty "Triple B's" from SlopeSide Tavern. The fare did not disappoint.

What are your plans for this week's lineup?

Thank you, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, for encouraging local burger innovation and enthusiasm!

04/02/2026

We are thrilled to announce that we received a grant award from the Transylvania Endowment through The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The award provides support for our talented and dedicated Dental Assistants to team up with our volunteer dentists in providing emergency, restorative, and preventive care to Transylvania County residents, just down the mountain.

Thank you, Transylvania Endowment, for helping us serve our neighbors in need!

03/27/2026

We had a awesome time at Summit Charter School this past Tuesday.

Our trusty dental assistants visited every elementary school class and reviewed healthy hygiene habits.

(Parents, pro tip: Keep a toothbrush in the car. If you're running late to school, kids can brush, sans toothpaste, enroute. It still gets the job done!).

Our registered hygienist and staff dentist screened 58 students, providing early identification of potential dental problems (in most cases, it was a "thumbs up!") and applying fluoride varnish for extra protection.

Thank you, Summit Charter School, for hosting us!

03/25/2026

We love our volunteers! Dr. Osborne, Laci, and Amanda spent the day at the Clinic last week and helped 7 patients with their dental problems.

Winter and early spring is a slower time of year for our Clinic because fewer volunteer dentists are available. So we are always grateful for local dental professionals who are able to donate their time and expertise so we can keep the Clinic buzzing and busy year round!

Thank you, Junaluska Family Dentistry! You are appreciated!

03/23/2026

Always a treat to attend Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley! Thank you for your commitment to ensuring dental care is accessible for our WNC neighbors! We are honored to receive your support!

Proudly awarding a grant to the Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic (BRFDC) to help with essential dental supplies! We are so proud to partner with a program that provides such vital care to our neighbors!
Pictured: Rodney Byard, CVRC President; Kristen Gentry, Exec Dit.; Doug Trochelman, Board Pres of the Clinic.

03/10/2026

In rural WNC, scheduling in-person time with our partners is sometimes an all-day event. Last week, our Executive Director and Clinical Director took a field trip to Vecinos Community Health Hub in Franklin. Primary care, behavioral health, fitness classes, pharmacy, legal services and one day... dental!

Driving across the mountain for quality face time with peer organizations is so important (and fun! and inspiring!). It helps us build partnerships and share ideas so we can continue to improve in our important work--serving our neighbors in need.

Congratulations, Vecinos, Inc., on your growth and commitment to whole-person health! We are proud to work alongside you!